Soft, chewy, and bursting with that irresistible combination of chocolate, marshmallows, and graham cracker crunch, these S’mores Cookie Bars will transport you straight to the heart of your favorite campfire memories—without having to pitch a tent in your backyard. Each bar is a delightful mash-up of gooey marshmallow pockets, melty semi-sweet chocolate chips, and crispy graham cracker crumbs, all nestled in a buttery cookie base that’s tender on the inside and slightly golden on the edges. You’ll love how the layers meld together, creating that classic tease of textures: a crunch here, a gooey pull there, followed by a comforting chew that makes you want to go back for more. It’s the ultimate treat for anyone who adores nostalgia with every bite.
This beginner-friendly dessert is a perfect way to bring a little campfire magic into your kitchen, even on a weeknight. With just 15 minutes of hands-on prep time, a quick 30-minute bake, and a 20-minute rest to let everything set, you’ll have 16 generous bars ready to satisfy friends, family, or your own sweet tooth. Clocking in at about 350 calories per serving, it’s a rich little indulgence that’s perfect for gatherings, bake sales, or simply elevating your afternoon coffee break. As a fun bonus, you can customize each batch by swapping in milk or dark chocolate chips, adding crunchy nuts, or topping a warm bar with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Trust me, once you taste these S’mores Cookie Bars, you’ll be scribbling this recipe down on every sticky note you can find.
KEY INGREDIENTS IN S’MORES COOKIE BARS
Before diving into the step-by-step instructions, let’s get acquainted with the all-star lineup of ingredients that make these bars shine. Each component brings its own unique contribution—whether it’s richness, sweetness, structure, or that signature crunch—and together they create the perfect harmony in every bite.
- Unsalted Butter
Provides a rich, creamy base that carries all the flavors and keeps the cookie bars tender. Softening it to room temperature ensures it creams smoothly with the sugars, trapping air for a lighter texture.
- Granulated Sugar
Lends sweetness and structure by helping to create tiny air pockets when creamed with butter, which contribute to a delightful lift and chewiness in the final bars.
- Light Brown Sugar
Adds moisture and a hint of caramel depth. The molasses in brown sugar intensifies the flavor, giving the bars that subtle toffee undertone that pairs beautifully with chocolate and marshmallows.
- Eggs
Act as the binding agent, bringing richness and helping the bars set properly. Beating them one at a time ensures even distribution and a consistent, smooth batter.
- Vanilla Extract
Enhances and rounds out all other flavors, providing a warm, aromatic backdrop that makes the bars taste extra homey and comforting.
- All-Purpose Flour
Supplies the structure, giving the bars their shape and allowing them to hold the mix-ins in place without becoming too dense.
- Baking Soda
Works as a leavening agent, causing the dough to rise just enough for a tender crumb and preventing it from becoming overly heavy.
- Salt
Balances and amplifies the sweetness, sharpening the flavor profile and preventing the bars from tasting flat or cloying.
- Graham Cracker Crumbs
Infuse that unmistakable s’mores crunch and authentic campfire vibe. They also add a subtle toasty note that complements the sugars beautifully.
- Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips
Deliver pockets of melted chocolate throughout, striking the perfect balance of sweet and slightly bitter for a classic s’mores flavor.
- Mini Marshmallows
Create those iconic gooey pockets that stretch and melt, giving you all the nostalgic feels of roasting marshmallows over a flame—right inside your cookie bars.
HOW TO MAKE S’MORES COOKIE BARS
Ready to take these dreamy ingredients and turn them into a tray of golden-brown, gooey bars? Here’s a friendly overview before we dive into each detailed step: we’ll prepare the pan, whip up a tender, flavorful dough, fold in all the s’mores fixings, bake until just golden, and then let it rest so every square cuts cleanly. Grab your mixing bowls and let’s get baking!
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan thoroughly or line it with parchment paper for an easy release, ensuring your bars slide out perfectly once they’ve cooled.
2. In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar until the mixture turns pale and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes. This step incorporates air for that light texture.
3. Crack in the eggs one at a time, beating gently after each addition so the mixture remains smooth and uniform. Then stir in the vanilla extract until just combined, avoiding overmixing.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mix into the wet ingredients, stirring until the dough is just combined—stop once you no longer see streaks of flour to keep your bars tender.
5. Fold in the graham cracker crumbs, semi-sweet chocolate chips, and mini marshmallows. Use a spatula to ensure everything is evenly distributed throughout the dough so every bite is packed with that classic s’mores trio.
6. Transfer the thick dough into your prepared pan. Press it down evenly using a spatula or lightly greased hands, making sure to cover every corner and create a smooth, level surface.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until the top turns light golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean (a few soft crumbs are okay, but no wet batter).
8. Remove the bars from the oven and let them cool in the pan for at least 20 minutes. This resting time helps everything set so you get neat, beautiful squares when you slice them up.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR S’MORES COOKIE BARS
When it comes to serving these scrumptious bars, a little creativity goes a long way in amplifying the charm and flavor. Whether you’re entertaining a crowd or enjoying a solo treat, these ideas will make your S’mores Cookie Bars the star of any dessert table—or a perfect after-dinner indulgence.
- Warm & Creamy Scoop
Cut a warm bar and top it with a heaping scoop of vanilla ice cream. The contrast of warm, gooey marshmallows and cold, creamy ice cream is pure bliss. For an extra flourish, drizzle a bit of chocolate sauce or sprinkle crushed graham crackers on top.
- S’mores Bar Platter
Arrange the cookie bars on a platter alongside small bowls of additional mini marshmallows, chocolate chips, and graham cracker pieces. Let guests customize their own bars with extra toasting over a kitchen torch or by popping them under the broiler for a golden finish.
- Dessert Sandwiches
Slice the bars into thinner pieces and sandwich a layer of marshmallow fluff or chocolate spread between two bars. Serve these handheld treats at parties or picnics for a fun twist on a classic.
- Hot Beverage Companion
Serve a bar alongside steaming mugs of hot chocolate, coffee, or spiced chai. The flavors complement each other beautifully, turning an ordinary drink break into a cozy, campfire-inspired moment.
HOW TO STORE S’MORES COOKIE BARS
Ensuring these cookie bars stay fresh and gooey (or perfectly chewy) makes all the difference, especially if you want to enjoy them over a few days or even weeks. Proper storage methods will preserve flavor, texture, and that wonderful marshmallow melty-ness, so here are a few foolproof ways to keep your bars tasting just-baked.
- Airtight Container at Room Temperature
Once cooled completely, stack the bars in a single layer or separate them with parchment paper in an airtight container. Store at room temperature for up to 3–4 days. This method keeps them tender and gooey without drying out.
- Refrigeration for Longer Freshness
If you’d like to extend shelf life, store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to a week, though the marshmallows may firm up—simply let them come to room temperature or microwave briefly before serving.
- Freezing Individual Portions
Wrap each cooled bar tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a zip-top freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature or warm quickly in the oven at low heat for that fresh-baked feel.
- Keep the Toppings Fresh
If you’ve added extra marshmallows or chocolate on top, store the bars uncovered in the fridge for the first hour to let any toppings set, then transfer to an airtight container. This prevents the toppings from sticking and keeps them looking pristine.
CONCLUSION
Wrapping up our S’mores Cookie Bars adventure, we’ve covered everything from the decadent combination of buttery dough, graham cracker crunch, and gooey marshmallow treasures, to customizing, serving, and storing your sweet creations. This beginner-level dessert is perfect for cozy nights in, celebrations, or whenever you need a nostalgic treat that feels like a mini campfire gathering in every bite. With just 15 minutes of prep, a quick 30-minute bake, and a short 20-minute rest, you can transform simple pantry staples into a showstopping treat that wows every time.
Feel free to print this article, stash it in your recipe binder, or save it on your phone for those moments when you need a reliable, crowd-pleasing dessert. Don’t forget—there’s a helpful FAQ section right below to answer any lingering questions you might have. If you try the recipe, tinker with a creative twist, or find yourself needing a bit of extra guidance, please leave a comment. I’d love to hear your feedback, field your questions, and celebrate your successes in the kitchen. Happy baking!
s’mores cookie bars
Description
Imagine biting into a soft, chewy cookie filled with gooey marshmallows, rich chocolate, and the crunch of graham crackers. It's a sweet twist on a classic treat!
Ingredients
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easier removal.
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In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until it is light and fluffy.
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Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is well incorporated before adding the next. Stir in vanilla extract.
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In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
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Fold in the graham cracker crumbs, chocolate chips, and mini marshmallows. Ensure everything is evenly distributed throughout the dough.
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Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan. It will be quite thick, so use a spatula or your hands to spread it out evenly.
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Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
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Allow the bars to cool in the pan for at least 20 minutes before cutting into squares.
Note
- For an added crunch, consider adding chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the dough.
- You can substitute milk chocolate chips for a sweeter version, or go for dark chocolate chips for a richer flavor.
- For a gooey experience, enjoy these bars warm with a scoop of ice cream.
- If you don’t have mini marshmallows, you can cut large marshmallows into smaller pieces.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container to maintain freshness for up to a week.
